General
Mak-Sida Meet to ignite Research Agenda
The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Urban Andersson, has re-affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting research and innovations in Makerere University and Uganda, as a way of contributing to national development, social transformation and poverty eradication. H.E Andersson was speaking at the Science Day for the Makerere-Sida Research Cooperation at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), on 19th November 2013. This was part of an ongoing Annual Review Meeting for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) research support to Makerere University, running from 18th – 27th November 2013. The Makerere-Sida Phase III Bilateral Research programme (2010-2014) is worth Swedish Krona (SEK) 180 million.
“Rural areas have been pointed out as key for Uganda’s development with 80% of the population staying there. I have noted that the challenges faced by people in rural areas have been pointed out in most of your presentations, which also provide recommendations and policy directions for improving livelihoods in rural areas. We are also glad that your focus on Northern Uganda will bring new knowledge of the disease potential, help in reducing the spread of diseases in animals, which also affect human beings. This will fit in well with why we support research, with the end goal of poverty reduction,” he said. The Ambassador also pointed out that the next phase of the MAK-Sida Bilateral Research Grant for Phase 1V, 2015 to 2020 was on its way to continue supporting research and innovations relevant to today’s fast changing world.
At the opening of the Annual Review Meeting held on 18th November 2013 at the Main Library, the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu was represented by the Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Arch. Barnabas Nawangwe, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration.
“Makerere University and Uganda in general have enjoyed and continue to benefit from the generosity of the Royal Government of Sweden in the areas of human resources capacity building, research, library services/information technology and infrastructural development. Sida support has also contributed to the enhancement of centres of excellence in waste management, health systems research, and renewable energy research, among others. Despite these achievements, the University still faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure and we appreciate more support,” read the Vice Chancellor’s speech.
The Director of Research and Graduate Training, Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, welcomed participants to the MAK-Sida Annual Review Meeting that provides a platform for dissemination of research, technology and innovations at Makerere University. The Review also presents an opportunity to Makerere University to take stock of her research achievements and their strength in contributing to the national development agenda.
Professor Buyinza appreciated Sida for the continued support to Makerere University and also thanked the University Management for creating an environment conducive to research. “There is will from Management for research to take place and we have all the support we need. With the Sida and Management support, we are empowered to champion the University Research Agenda. During the Phase III (2010-2014), Sida has supported 100 PhDs; 70 Masters and 20 Post Doctoral Research grants. We are also happy to report that we have been granted the Year 2015 as a bridging year in preparation for the MAK-Sida Phase IV Bilateral Research Grant. We are grateful for this support,” he said.
He further saluted Sida for supporting cross cutting courses and services critical in knowledge creation and sharpening of people’s minds. “In Phase III, 700 graduate students have been trained in cross cutting courses such as research management, philosophy of methods, statistical application and information competence management; and senior researchers of Makerere University have undertaken skills enhancement courses including supervision and mentorship, research and financial management,” he explained.
The highly interactive Science Day was coordinated by Dr. David Owiny, of the Vet Sub-programme. “This is the 3rd Science Day since the beginning of the MAK-Sida Phase III. Our collaboration with the Swedish people has been very successful. Together with the Swedish Agricultural University, we are training five (5) PhD students and their research is on a steady path to completion. They are in the final stages of their doctoral studies and will graduate next year,” he said.
In an energetic presentation, the Principal of CoVAB, Professor John David Kabasa, called for a paradigm shift in the education sector if the current and future generations are to be saved from poverty and unemployment. “Peasants fed us and sustained the economy for the last 50 years. Since independence, the education system has been producing people to administer peasants, but not learning how to manage the production and industrial processes. That is why Uganda plans to transform from a peasantry to a middle income economy as per the National Vision 2040,” he asserted. “It is now time to change the model. We need to graduate people with skills to become entrepreneurs or else we are in for a social tsunami. There are a lot of processes from the farm to the table. The industry has so many opportunities in the value-addition chain. Why should supermarkets continue to be highly stocked with products from abroad?” he wondered.
He reasoned that today’s problems cannot be solved using the same methods that created them. “CoVAB has embraced the SPEDA model to harness the entrepreneur, vocational and intellectual skills for high level productivity in the animal industry. It is a blended model that involves working with all people in different sectors; academic, community, public and private sector to graduate a skilled entrepreneur,” explained Professor Kabasa.
The Science Day involved presentations from PhD students, Denis Muhangi, Kokas Ikwap, Benon Kanyima, Denis Rwabiita Mugizi and Margaret Nabukenya, all sponsored by Sida. Denis Muhangi presented the Practices in Pig Value Chain in Uganda: Implications to transmission of African Swine Fever. His study focused on documenting the different factors and practices within the pig value chain that could influence the transmission of African Swine Fever and also the potential risk factors for African Swine Fever outbreaks on farms.
Kokas Ikwap conducted a study on the magnitude of salmonellae infections in pigs in Gulu and Soroti. In his findings, Ikwap observed that 39% of the households had at least one animal succumbing to salmonellae infection, which presents with diarrhea. He stressed that this was dangerous because salmonellae also affects human beings. His study also revealed that out of the 56 samples taken, there were 20 different serotypes of salmonellae identified.
In his study, Benon Kanyima recommended a format to support post-strife rural urban immigrants engaging in urban and peri-urban dairy farming and to establish a Dairy Cow Welfare Policy in Uganda, to curb abuse of cows.
Denis Rwabiita Mugizi focused on the magnitude and risk factor of brucellosis in Gulu and Soroti district. His findings revealed that the disease was more prominent in the older animals of five years and above. Animals brought to these districts from Western Uganda had a higher chance of testing positive to brucellosis. He pointed out that brucellosis continues to be passed on to humans and that the current strain of this infection is resistant to some drugs.
Dr. Maria Nassuna, one of the supervisors emphasized that engaging in this research across different parts of the country was quite fulfilling, because the Supervisors took off time to go to the field with students and therefore made more informed supervision of the research projects.
Another PhD student, Margaret Nabukenya, carried out research on the threat of Helminthosis amongst goats in Gulu and Mpigi district. Her findings reveal that Helminthosis, a common disease in goats, is caused by infections due to various gastro-intestinal parasites. It leads to poor weight gain in these animals. Her findings further reveal that 5.2% of the country's GDP is from livestock products.
An exhibition to showcase the latest innovations from CoVAB, was organized as a key highlight of the Science Day. It involved demonstration of projects on posters and bee-hive technology among others. Dr. David Owiny the Exhibition Coordinator pointed out that the projects on display, as funded by Sida as well as innovations on technologies under the AFRISA programme, were designed to answer to the needs of society by providing practical solutions.
After a guided tour of the exhibits, Ambassador Andersson could not hide his amazement. “I thank this College for working with multidisciplinary teams and using a holistic approach to research. It is also positive that you are working with other universities and partners in Uganda and the region,” he remarked.
On behalf of the college, the Principal, Professor John David Kabasa presented a gift to the Ambassador and to the Sida Desk Officer, Dr. Katri Pohjolainen as a token of appreciation for the continued support.
Dr. Ruth Muwazi of CoVAB gave a vote of thanks to all who had worked tirelessly to make the 3rd Science Day a success and also appreciated the invited guests for dedicating time to understand what CoVAB stands for.
The Review continued with an afternoon session, chaired by Associate Professor George Nasinyama of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training. It was a Scientific Conference for Postdoctoral presentations, held in the New Library Building Extension. The presentations included:
- A landscape population Genomics Approach for Conservation of the Domestic Pig and Control of African Swine Fever in Uganda by Dr. Charles Masembe, College of Natural Sciences.
- Genetic Characterisation of Trypanosomia vivax-induced hemorrhagic syndrome strains and their spread in Ugandan perigame areas by Dr. Savino Biryomumaisho, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security.
- The Opportunities and Challenges of Redd for the Forest Resources Base and Rural Livelihoods In Uganda by Dr. J.J. Namaalwa.
- Growth Modeling of Exploitable Fish populations: A case study of Nile Perch in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda by Dr. Gladys Bwanika, College of Natural Sciences.
- Evaluation and surveillance of the impact of severe maternal and prenatal morbidity on health of women and children attending Mulago and Jinja referral health facilities by Dr. Dan Kaye, College of Health Sciences.
- Adaptation to Climate Change in Post Conflict Communities in Uganda: Building Resilient Livelihoods Paths by Dr. Paul K. Musali, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
- A theoretical approach for the compilation of the thesauruses in less documented languages by Dr. Celestino Orikiriza, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Through Sida support, Makerere University has been able to establish strong collaborations with leading universities including universities in Sweden. Makerere University has also benefitted from joint supervision, which has ensured high quality graduates.
Throughout the 8-day Annual Review Meeting, the team from Sweden and Directorate of Research and Graduate Training-Makerere University will hold discussions with researchers and beneficiaries under the MAK-Sida Bilateral Phase III Research Grant in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security; Makerere University Library; Quality Assurance Directorate; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; College of Health Sciences; Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, College of Natural Sciences and DICTS.
The Annual Review Meeting will close on 27th November 2013 with ‘Wrap-up’ plenary discussions from all unit sub programme Coordinators, Supervisors, Researchers and Students. The Wrap-up will be an interactive session in which all beneficiary units will agree on a road map and lay strategies to maximize the anticipated Phase IV Mak-Sida support.
“The Wrap-up session will be instrumental in getting all stakeholders focus in one direction for purposes of positioning this university at a highly competitive and desirable global trend. As a Directorate, we are positive that Makerere University is on the right track in research but we need to speak the same language across the entire university so that we attain a competitive edge in all disciplines,” asserted Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director, Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University.
By: Ritah Namisango and Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and MAK Public Relations Office
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University’s health service delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
At a time when Africa stands at the intersection of demographic opportunity and governance uncertainty, a powerful question is emerging across the continent: what kind of leadership will define Africa’s future?
This question took centre stage at the 2026 Julius Nyerere Leadership Lecture and Youth Conversations, held on April 13, 2026, at Makerere University. Convened by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre in partnership with the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), the event brought together policymakers, scholars, diplomats, and youth leaders from across East Africa under the theme: “Africa’s Next Generation: Youth Agency and the Leadership Africa Needs.”
Held on the birth anniversary of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the gathering was not merely commemorative. It was deliberately forward-looking—an effort to reinterpret Nyerere’s legacy in light of contemporary realities and to position young people as central actors in shaping Africa’s political, economic, and social trajectory.
A Defining Moment for Leadership in Africa
Opening the event, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, framed the conversation within a broader continental context marked by a rapidly expanding youth population, rising political awareness, and increasing demand for accountability.
“Africa is not short of potential,” she noted. “What is at stake is whether that potential is matched by the kind of leadership required to transform it into sustainable development and inclusive progress.”
Her remarks underscored a critical shift: young Africans are no longer passive participants in governance processes. Across communities, institutions, and political spaces, they are organizing, contesting, innovating, and demanding accountability. The challenge, she argued, is to ensure that this energy is channelled into ethical, competent, and service-oriented leadership capable of transforming institutions and delivering long-term change.
Reclaiming Unity as a Strategic Imperative
The importance of unity—long championed by Mwalimu Nyerere—featured prominently throughout the discussions. Representing Tanzania, Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli emphasized that Pan-Africanism must evolve from a historical ideal into a practical framework for cooperation and development.
“Africa’s unity is not optional,” he observed. “It is a necessity for survival in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.”
He pointed to education, language, and shared values as critical foundations for building a cohesive regional identity, highlighting the need for deliberate investment in systems that strengthen cross-border collaboration. His intervention reinforced a central theme of the lecture: that regional integration and collective action are indispensable to Africa’s long-term stability and prosperity.
Leadership in Transition: From Authority to Influence
The keynote address by Israel Laryea provided a compelling reflection on how leadership itself is evolving. Drawing from Africa’s political history, he argued that the continent has moved through distinct phases—from liberation-era “builders,” to “controllers,” and now to a generation navigating democratic transitions that remain incomplete.
Yet, despite these transitions, a fundamental gap persists.
“Africa has never lacked leaders,” he remarked. “The real question is the kind of leadership each generation chooses to tolerate.”
In today’s context, he argued, leadership is increasingly shaped not only by formal authority but by influence, credibility, and the ability to mobilize and organize. Digital platforms have expanded access to information and participation, but they have also introduced new complexities—where visibility does not necessarily translate into power.
For young Africans, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While they are more connected and engaged than ever before, their influence in formal decision-making spaces remains limited. Bridging this gap requires a shift from digital engagement to structured political and institutional participation.
The Knowledge Question: Leadership and Intellectual Responsibility
A recurring theme across the lecture was the centrality of knowledge in shaping effective leadership. Scholars warned against the risks of historical distortion, shallow engagement with complex issues, and leadership divorced from intellectual grounding.
Discussions emphasized that Africa’s development challenges are not simply technical—they are deeply political and ideological. Addressing them requires leaders who are not only well-intentioned but also analytically grounded, historically informed, and ethically driven.
The idea that “ignorance remains one of the greatest obstacles to progress” resonated strongly, reinforcing the need for continuous learning, humility, and critical reflection as essential components of leadership.
Youth Leadership in Practice: From Ideas to Implementation
Beyond theory, the lecture provided a platform for young leaders to demonstrate how leadership is already being exercised in practical and impactful ways.
Across panel discussions, participants shared experiences in governance, entrepreneurship, and community development. These contributions highlighted a growing shift toward solution-oriented leadership, where young people are not waiting for opportunities but actively creating them.
Key insights emerging from these engagements included:
- The importance of policy reforms that enable youth participation, particularly in economic and governance spaces
- The role of innovation and technology in addressing local challenges and expanding opportunities
- The need for community-centred approaches that prioritize inclusion and social impact
What became evident is that Africa’s youth are not merely a demographic category—they are an active force shaping new pathways for development and leadership.
Intergenerational Dialogue: Bridging Legacy and Aspiration
The Ekyooto fireside conversations provided one of the most reflective moments of the event, bringing together seasoned leaders and emerging voices in an open and candid dialogue.
These conversations explored the deeper questions of identity, purpose, and responsibility. Participants emphasized that the future of Africa will depend on a generation that understands not only the challenges it faces but also the values and principles required to address them.
Lena Nyerere, representing the Nyerere family, highlighted the enduring relevance of Pan-Africanism as a vision rooted in unity, dignity, and collective progress. Her presence served as a symbolic bridge between legacy and the future—reminding participants that leadership is both inherited and redefined across generations.
From Reflection to Action
As the day concluded, a clear consensus emerged: Africa’s transformation will depend on the ability of its young people to move beyond participation toward active leadership and institutional influence.
This transition requires:
- Strengthening leadership development pathways
- Investing in education and critical thinking
- Expanding opportunities for meaningful participation in governance and policy processes
- Building a shared sense of Pan-African identity and purpose
Equally important is the need to move beyond episodic conversations toward sustained programmes, structured mentorship, and institutional support systems that enable young leaders to grow, collaborate, and lead effectively.
Looking Ahead: Reimagining Leadership for Africa’s Future
The 2026 Julius Nyerere Leadership Lecture and Youth Conversations ultimately served as more than a platform for dialogue—it was a strategic intervention in shaping Africa’s leadership trajectory.
As the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre continues to expand its work in youth leadership training, regional engagement, and policy dialogue, the challenge ahead is clear: to translate ideas into action, and action into lasting institutional change.
Africa’s future will not be determined by its challenges alone, but by the quality of leadership that emerges to confront them. In this regard, the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere is not a static memory—it is a living framework for leadership grounded in service, unity, and responsibility. The task for this generation is to reimagine that legacy in practical terms, and to carry it forward with clarity, courage, and purpose.
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